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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs New Orleans, LA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.0% New Orleans, LA is cheaper overall
5.6% 5.6% cheaper housing
5.3% 5.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.6% cheaper
Nashville
108
New Orleans
102
🛒 Groceries 5.3% more
Nashville
95
New Orleans
100
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
New Orleans
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Nashville
93
New Orleans
96
⚡ Utilities 7.2% more
Nashville
97
New Orleans
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN New Orleans, LA Difference
Overall Cost Index9998~Same
Housing1081025.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,2509.4% less
Median Home Price$395,000$270,00031.6% less
Groceries951005.3% more
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities971047.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN New Orleans, LA
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.25%
State Sales Tax7.00%4.45%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.55%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
Median household income
New Orleans, LA
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: New Orleans costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in New Orleans to maintain your Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs New Orleans (98). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
New Orleans4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
New Orleans2.0%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
New OrleansTourism, Energy, Port/Shipping

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
New Orleans26 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
New Orleans57
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
New Orleans42
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
New Orleans69°F
Population
Nashville689,447
New Orleans383,997

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville and New Orleans → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in New Orleans →

Compare Other Cities

Nashville vs Austin → Nashville vs Denver → Nashville vs Raleigh → New Orleans vs Portland → New Orleans vs Phoenix → New Orleans vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville or New Orleans cheaper to live in?+
New Orleans is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs New Orleans?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,250/month in New Orleans — a difference of about $130 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or New Orleans?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. Louisiana has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 4.45%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Nashville to New Orleans?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 compared to $52,000 in New Orleans. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Nashville vs New Orleans?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $270,000 in New Orleans — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Louisiana averages 0.55%.